The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated two institutions in the state of Montana for their outstanding cybersecurity programs - Missoula College and Great Falls College.

Both programs offer undergraduate programs and are linked with other schools, such as the University of Montana, Montana State University, and Excelsior College - the latter having the only online opportunities available among the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE).

Here is a list of Montana cybersecurity degrees that are from NSA CAE Designated Institutions:

Great Falls College Montana State University
Missoula College

Click to jump to the full list of Montana cybersecurity schools.

Online Cyber Security Programs in Montana

Through a joint effort between Missoula College, Excelsior College, and the University of Montana, students can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.

The process begins at the accredited Missoula College and first pursuing the Associate of Applied Sciences in Network Administration and Security. Students are able to gain foundational education in network security, cryptography, and legal and ethical issues in the industry. Students are then able to transfer to Excelsior College to complete the BS, which also offers online opportunities.

Master's in Cyber Security Degrees in Montana

At this time, there are no Master's degrees in the cybersecurity field in the state of Montana. Residents in the state can consider further education with an online opportunity from elsewhere. Holding an undergraduate degree, typically a Bachelor's degree, with a cumulative 3.0 GPA is at least recommended. Higher scores are especially beneficial in the later years of the program.

Prior coursework should be completed in multiple levels of calculus and computer programming. In some cases, entrance exam scores, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), will need to be submitted, or they will be optional and prospective students can use them to enhance their application.

Getting Started Working in Cyber Security in Montana

Another undergraduate option for those looking at entry-level potential in the industry is pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at Great Falls College, which is linked to Montana State University.

This program requires four semesters to complete and some of the example courses students will take include Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, Exploring Computer Forensics, Introduction to Linux, and Ethical Hacking and Network Defense.

Montana Cyber Security Careers and Organizations

The Montana High Tech Business Alliance is an initiative that is helping bolster cybersecurity potential in the state. Since 2014, they have promoted various job opportunities and have helped grow the industry statewide.

LMG Security in Missoula is one of the leading companies in the state with opportunities when it comes to security solutions with their clients, focusing more on consultation and training instead of selling a service. Workers have frequently spoken at popular cybersecurity conferences like Black Hat and DEF CON.